Christmas tree electric light decoration set

ABSTRACT

The light set comprises a plurality of strings of miniature lamps permanently joined in parallel circuit, each with respect to the others, at a pair of junctions which can be mounted at an upper portion of a Christmas tree. The string of lamps drape downwardly in free fall fashion at different radiant angles relative to the axis of the tree. The strings of lamps may comprise series connected or parallel converted lamps. The junctions of the strings of lamps are housed in an insulated casing which can be a socket connector to which a tree top lamp extension cord is disconnectably connected; or the tree top extension cord may be permanently connected to the parallel connected strings of lamps, at said junctions. A flasher lamp may be added in series with the series connected lamps of each string. The parallel connected lamps (of the strings of parallel connected lamps) may all be flasher lamps. Lead wires are permanently joined at said pair of junctions, and connect to a plug for insertion in a wall outlet. In light sets in which the strings of lamps comprise parallel connected lamps, the lead wires may also carry parallel connected lamps.

United States Patent 1 Lerner Mar. 27, 1973 [54] CHRISTMAS TREE ELECTRIC LIGHT DECORATION SET [75] Inventor: Charlotte F. Lerner, Brooklyn, N.Y.

[73] Assignee: Small World Importing Corp., New

York, N.Y.

[22] Filed: Jan. 4, 1971 [211 App]. No.: 103,674

Primary Examiner-S. Clement Swisher Attorney-4. B. Felshin [57] ABSTRACT The light set comprises a plurality of strings of miniature lamps permanently joined in parallel circuit, each with respect to the others, at a pair of junctions which can be mounted at an upper portion of a Christmas tree. The string of lamps drape downwardly in free fall fashion at different radiant angles relative to the axis of the tree. The strings of lamps may comprise series connected or parallel converted lamps. The junctions of the strings of lamps are housed in an insulated casing which can be a socket connector to which a tree top lamp extension cord is disconnectably connected; or the tree top extension cord may be permanently connected to the parallel connected strings of lamps,

' at said junctions. A flasher lamp may be added in series with the series connected lamps of each string. The parallel connected lamps (of the strings of parallel connected lamps) may all be flasher lamps. Lead wires are permanently joined at said pair of junctions, and connect to a plug for insertion in a wall outlet. In

' light sets in which the strings of lamps comprise parallel connected lamps, the lead wires may also carry parallel connected lamps.

15 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures CHRISTMAS TREE ELECTRIC LIGHT DECORATION SET This invention relates to Christmas tree electric light decoration sets.

An object of this invention is to provide an electric light decoration set of the character described which is a one set total tree illumination means, and comprises a plurality of strings of lamps permanently connected in parallel circuit with each other and to lead wires for connection to a wall outlet. The junction of the strings of lamps can be mounted near the top of the tree and the strings of lamps can freely drape in a graceful fall from the junctions, at different radiant angles relative to the axis of the tree, all around the tree and down to the bottom of the tree.

Another object of this invention is to provide a free top lighting cord connected to the junctions either permanently or releasably.

In accordance to the invention, the strings of lamps may comprise series connected miniature lamps, with a flasher lamp connected in series therewith. In such a set, all the lamps of each string go on" and of together, but the lamps of each string go on and off at different time sequences in relation to other strings.

The lamps of each string may also be connected, in accordance to this invention, in parallel. In such case all the lamps can be flasher lamps. Also with parallel connected lamps in each string, one of the strings can carry a plug connector for insertion in a wall outlet.

A further object of this invention is to provide a sturdy Christmas tree lighting decoration set of the character described which shall be relatively inexpensive to manufacture, easy to manipulate, attractive in appearance, and yet practical and efficient to a high degree in use.

Other objects of this invention will in part be obvious and in part hereinafter pointed out.

The invention accordingly consists in the features of construction, combinations of elements, and arrangement of parts, which will be exemplified in the construction hereinafter described, and of which the scope of invention will be indicated in the following claims.

in the accompanying drawings in which is shown various illustrative embodiments of this invention,

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a Christmas tree trimmed with a lighting set embodying the invention in which the lamps in each string are series connected;

FIG. 2 is a partially diagrammatic view of the lighting set shown in FIG. 1; diagramatic FIG. 3 is a detail of a portion of one string of series connected lamps and showing a flasher lamp in said string;

FIG. 4 is a diagramatic view showing a permanent connection between the tree top cord and the parallel connected strings of lamps;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a Christmas tree provided with a lighting set embodying the invention, in which the strings of lamps, comprise parallel connected lamps;

FIG. 6 is a diagramatic view of the lighting set in which the strings of lamps comprise parallel connected lamps;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 7-7 of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 8-8 of FIG. 7, but showing the ring open.

Referring now in detail to the drawing, and particularly to FIG. 1 3, 7 and 8 thereof, 10 designates a Christmas tree, and 11 designates a lighting set embodying the invention. The tree may be a natural tree or an artificial tree. It may be mounted on a usual stand 12. The tree comprises a central trunk 14 (or a center pole in case of an artificial tree) and branches 15 radiating upwardly and outwardly therefrom. The branches may be natural or artificial.

The lighting set 11 may comprise a plurality of strings 16 of series connected lamps 17. The strings 16 are connected to each other in parallel circuit at a pair of junctions 18, 18a soldered or otherwise permanently connected to the terminals 19 of a socket fitting 20 or casing or connector of insulating material. In each string there is a series connected flasher lamp 21. ln each string, the wire comprises a portion 23 extending down from the junction 18 of fitting 20 and in which portion the series connected lamps 17, 21 are interposed, and a portion 24 which extends up from the lowermost lamp to the junction 18a. The portion 24 does not have lamps interposed therein, but may be twisted together with wire portion 23, as shown in the two center strings 16 of FIG. 2. The flasher lamps may be placed in any portions of the strings 16 relative to the other lamps.

The fitting 20 may be mounted at the junction or cradle of branches on an upper part of the tree 10, and the strings 16 may be draped in free fall fashion at different radiatdng angles with respect to the axis of the tree, to extend down to the bottom. a

Lead wires 26, 27 are permanently joined to junctions 18, 18a and carry a plug connector 28 for insertion in a wall outlet. The lead wires are thus connected in parallel circuit to all the strings of lamps. The lead wires carry no lamps. I

A tree top light cord 30 comprises a plug connector 31 having blades inserted in the socket fitting 20. Wires 32, 33 from the terminals of plug 31 are connected to one or more lamps 35 in a decorative statuette 36 mounted at the top of the tree. Thus when plug 28 is connected to a wall outlet, current goes not only to the strings 16, but to the tree top lighting device 30.

if no flasher lamp is inserted in the strings 16, the miniature lamps will light constantly when the set 11 is connected to house current. If one lamp in a string fails, all the lamps in that string go off. When using the flasher lamps 21, the lightsin the various strings go on and off.

Flasher lamps contain a metal filament whose special characteristic is its ability to expand and contract. As electrical molecules assume polarity in alternating current within the structure of wiring conductor, heat is created, causing the metal filament in the flasher lamp to expand and break contact, causing current to cease. Without the subsequent flow of electrical current, the metal filament cools and contracts and permits the lamp to again illuminate. For this reason, the insertion of a single flasher lamp in a series string will cause all the lamps in the series to flash complete on or completely off.

In the nature of their manufacture flasher lamps have variable co-efficients of expansion and contraction, and all the strings 16 do not all go on simultaneously or off simultaneously. The on and off periods are at random, which produces a sequentical lighting pattern and an unusual twinkling effect of light in motion.

If the lights in one string go off or out, it does not effect the lamps in other strings, since each string of lamps operates independently of the other strings.

If a lamp is removed in one string of series connected lamps, the lamps in that string will fail, but the lamps in other strings can continue to illuminate.

One set 11 can illuminate a whole tree. It can be mounted and draped on the tree quickly and easily and can be easily removed. Any suitable number of strings can be employed, with any suitable number of lamps in each string. Thus 6 or 8 strings may be used, each string approximately 6 feet long and containing eight, l0, l2,

orlS lamps.

The present construction eliminates the need of weaving wires in and out of branches. One set can illuminate all sides of the tree. It has previously been the practice to use three or four individual light sets on a tree; each having a two or three foot lead wire. The present lighting set supplies a like number of lamps (as two or three sets) but with only one lead wire for the wall outlet, thus eliminating excess lead wires.

The present lighting set also includes an add on connector 20 as an integral part of the set. It is from this connector that all of the strings radiate and also the lead wire.

The connector 20 is placed near the top of the tree, making itself readily available for attaching any electrical tree top decoration thereto; as distinguished from the prior practice of placing a household extension cord alongside the tree trunk for attachment to the electrical tree top decoration.

As shown in FIG. 7, a ring 37 of polypropylene is provided. The ring is split. It has a central hole 37a and has a number of holes 37b equiangularly spaced apart. At one split end there is a flange 37c formed with a small hole 37d. At the other split end there is a complementary flange 372 having a pin 37f that fits into hole 37d to close the ring.

The two wires of each string 16 pass through one of the holes 3712. The ring thus helps to keep the strings 16 separated. Said ring can also have a hole for the wires 26, 27. Said ring has a notch 38 at its inside to allow for flexing the ring open. The ring may be placed over a branch of the tree or on top of the center pole of an artificial tree.

In FIG. 4 the wires 32a, 33a of an electrical tree top decoration 40 are permanently soldered to the junctions 18, 180, respectively, inside a casing 41 which houses said junctions.

ln FIGS. and 6, there is shown a tree on which a lighting set 11a is mounted. Lighting set 1 1a is modified form of the invention.

Lighting set 11a comprises a plurality of strings 50 comprising lamps 51 connected in parallel with each other. The strings 50 are permanently joined in parallel circuit with each other at junctions 52, 52a withinan insulating housing or connector 53. Connector 53 may be a blade receiving socket fitting similar to fitting or connector 20.

The lamps 51 may all be flasher lamps that go on and off. At the end of one string is a plug 54 having blades for insertion in a wall outlet socket.

A tree top lighting decoration 30 may be disconnectably connected to socket 53, the same as in FIGS. 1 3. Also, the electrical tree top decoration set may be permanently soldered to the junctions 52, 52a, in

the same manner that wires 32, 33 are soldered to junctions 18, 18a, as shown in FIG. 4. The strings 50 may also be about 6 feet in length.

The lamps 51 may be constantly illuminating lamps, if desired.

It will be noted that an additional lead wire is not necessary because one of the strings50 carries a plug at its end. j

A ring 37 may be used for the lighting set 11a in the same manner as it is used for set 1 1.

It will thus be seen that there is provided a device in which the several objects of this invention are achieved and which is well adapted to meet the conditions of practical use.

As various possible embodiments might be made of the above invention, and as various changes might be made in the embodiment above set forth, it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative.

lclaim:

1. An electrical lighting set comprising a plurality of strings of lamps permanently connected to each other in parallel circuit at a pair of junctions, a casing of insulating material housing said junctions and lead wires connected in parallel to said junctions and carrying a connector for a wall outlet, said strings and lead wires hanging down directly from said junctions and through the bottom of said casing, said casing being axially imperforate throughout the height of the casing, the lamps in each string being connected in series circuit, and a flasher lamp in each string connected in series circuit with the rest of the lamps in said string.

2. The combination of claim 1, and a pair of terminals in said casing, and to which said pair of junctions are secured, respectively.

3. The combination of claim 1, and an electrical tree top ornament set connected in parallel with said junctions. 1

4. The combination of claim 3, the connection between said tree top set and said junctions being permanent.

5. The combination of claim 1, and an electrical tree top ornament disconnectably connected in parallel to said junctions.

6. The combination of claim 1, the lamps in each string being connected in series circuit, all the lamps in each string being located only in the part of the strin that extends down from one of said junctions.

7. The combination of claim 1, each string being about six feet in length.

8. The combination of claim 1, and a ring having spaced holes, the wires of each string passing through one of said holes adjacent said casing.

9. The combination of claim 8, said ring being split and having means to interconnect the split ends of the ring. I

10. The combination of claim 9, said of flexible plastic material.

11. The combination of claim 10,-and an-electrical tree top ornament set connected in parallel with said strings at said junctions.

12. The combination of claim 11, the connection between tree top set and said junctions being disconnectable.

13. An electrical lighting set comprising a plurality of strings of lamps permanently connected to each other in parallel circuit at a pair of junctions, a casing of insulating material, housing said junctions, and lead wires connected in parallel to said junctions and carrying a ring being made connector for a wall outlet, said strings and lead wires being accumulated to extend directly and continuously downwardly from said junctions at and through the underside of said casing, said casing being axially imperforate throughout its height, and a pair of terminals in said casing and to which, said pair of 

1. An electrical lighting set comprising a plurality of strings of lamps permanently connected to each other in parallel circuit at a pair of junctions, a casing of insulating material housing said junctions and lead wires connected in parallel to said junctions arc carrying a connector for a wall outlet, said strings and lead wires hanging down directly from said junctions and through the bottom of said casing, said casing being axially imperforated throughout the height of the casing, the lamps in each string being connected in series circuit, and a flasher lamp in each string connected in series circuit with the rest of the lamps in said string.
 2. The combination of claim 1, and a pair of terminals in said casing, and to which said pair of junctions are secured, respectively.
 3. The combination of claim 1, and an electrical tree top ornament set connected in parallel with said junctions.
 4. The combination of claim 3, the connection between said tree top set and said junctions being permanent.
 5. The combination of claim 1, and an electrical tree top ornament disconnectably connected in parallel to said junctions.
 6. The combination of claim 1, the lamps in each string being connected in series circuit, all the lamps in each string being located only in the part of the string that extends down from one of said junctions.
 7. The combination of claim 1, each string being about six feet in length.
 8. The combination of claim 1, and a ring having spaced holes, the wires of each string passing through one of said holes adjacent said casing.
 9. The combination of claim 8, said ring being split and having means to interconnect the split ends of the ring.
 10. The combination of claim 9, said ring being made of flexible plastic material.
 11. The combination of claim 10, and an electrical tree top ornament set connected in parallel with said strings at said junctions.
 12. The combination of claim 11, the connection between tree top set and said junctions being disconnectable.
 13. An electrical lighting set comprising a plurality of strings of lamps permanently connected to each other in parallel circuit at a pair of junctions, a casing of insulating material, housing said junctions, and lead wires connected in parallel to said junctions and carrying a connector for a wall outlet, said strings and lead wires being accumulated to extend directly and continuously downwardly from said junctions at and through the underside of said casing, said casing being axially imperforate throughout its height, and a pair of terminals in said casing and to which, said pair of junctions are secured, respectively.
 14. The combination of claim 13, said casing having a pair of spaced openings in the top thereof above said terminals and said casing and terminals comprising means to connect to a pair of terminals of a connector of a tree top light cord.
 15. The combination of claim 14, said means comprising blade receiving socket means. 